Only 4 Words

In this episode, Karen and Melanie discuss the importance ofself-care, particularly for women navigating hormonal changes and health challenges. They share personal experiences, emphasizing the need for open conversations about women's health issues, including menopause and intimacy. The discussion also introduces the 'spoon theory' as a metaphor for managing energy levels and the impo...

Join Karen and Melanie and they wrap up their 3rd in person gathering, and Melanie talks about an Introvert's perspective. Melanie also shares more information about the process of turning her own blood into eye drops. It's a fascinating process called Protein Rich Plasma (PRP). Karen and Melanie discuss the upcoming Relay For Life, what it means to them and why they are involved year after year....

Karen and Melanie discuss their personal experiences with health challenges, the importance of community support, and the emotional impact of participating in Relay for Life. They share insights on advancements in cancer research and the significance of sharing personal stories to inspire hope in others. The conversation highlights the transformative power of community events like Relay for Life a...

Join Karen and Melanie as they discuss Depro Provera and hormonal birth control in depth. Karen's research provided some surprising results and Karen and Melanie talk about their own experiences with Depo Provera.

Karen and Melanie talk about the 2nd in person meeting, Melanie speaking at Lewis County Relay For Life and her Mottos for living life. Our next in person meeting will be June 8th at 2:00pm at Worthy Coffee in Roy, Wa.

Join Karen and Melanie as they talk scans (part 2) Dr's appoiontments and possible new treatments. Melanie talks about the Mother's Day holiday and remembering to live each day and make memories. Next week Karen and Melanie talk about the second in person meeting and who they met. Our next in person meeting will be June 8th at Worthy Coffee in Roy, Wa at 2:00pm. If you are are breastie, fr...

Join Melanie and her husband Kyle from the road as they talk road trips, living life to the fullest and how they cope with scaniety.

Join Karen and Melanie as they discuss types of breast cancer surgery, remission terminology and the latest reports on Immunotherapy. Like and follow us @only4wordspodcast Email us at: questions@only4words.com In person meetup Our next in person get together will be at Worthy Coffee in Roy, Wa at 2:00pm on May 18th, 2025. Has breast cancer effected you or a loved one? Join Karen and Melanie for a...

Join Karen and Melanie for an episode filled with laughter and sisterhood as they interview breast cancer survivor Nerisa McQueen. Nerisa is a triple negative breast cancer survivor and tells about her journey as well as what promted her to create a crowd funded venture called Happy Mail. To date she has mailed over 700 "Happy Mail's" to people going through treatment. Nerisa's linktree is: linktr...

In this episode of Only 4 Words, hosts Karen and Melanie delve into recent advancements in breast cancer detection and treatment. They explore the role of AI in predicting breast cancer risks, the importance of early detection , and the impact of healthcare funding cuts on access to necessary screenings. (During this dicussion, Medicare was referenced and we should have said Medicaid). The innovat...

Join us as we talk about our very first Only 4 Words in person meeting. We chatted with some amazing people about their stories and it was a wonderful afternoon. Our next in person gathering will be: May 18th, 2025 2:00pm Worthy Coffee No need to RSVP, just show up. Thank you to everyone who showed up and supported us, and for everyone who came and enjoyed conversation and community.

Join Karen and Melanie as they talk about what to expect before during and after chemo, what to pack in your chemo bag (and what not to pack).

This is our final episode in this series. Recorded from the road. So, apologies for any technical difficulties. Join Karen and Melanie as they talk about some of the things that no one shares when you when you have cancer and are going through chemo. From odd side effects to energy, hair loss and so much more, they share all of the things they encounter going through this journey. This is the Surv...

If you haven't had a chance to check out Part 1, go there first. Part 2 picked up where Part 1 ended. We talk about the things that we have experienced during and after treatment that no one tells you about. Did you know that Taxol might make your nails fall off. We tell you how we saved our nails and so much more. We offer some tips and resources for you. Melanie talks about going through men...

Join Karen and Melanie as they discuss things that happened to them during their breast cancer journey that no one warned them about. From Melanie's Afib and getting the paddles while she was awake to strategies to keep their nails from falling off, there is a ton of info. This is a jam packed hour and since we didn't get to everything, we are doing a part 2 next week.

Join Karen and Melanie as they highlight some of their favorite things they have found during their breast cancer journey. Some have even been highlighted in previous podcast episodes. They also talk books and the escape they can bring during treatment and beyond. Orchard House Spa orchardhousespa.com The Busted Tank bustedtank.com Fleshworks Tatoo Studio fleshworkstattoostudio.com Color Street co...

Join Karen and Melanie as they chat with fellow Relayer and breast cancer survivor Corinn Wohl. Find out about discovering a lump, mastectomy, the BRCA gene mutation, her daughter's brave decision and how she ended up passionate about volunteering for Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society.

Join Karen and Melanie as they look at new research on metastatic cancer, new warnings on alcohol and talk about the Rutgers Clinical Trial that is still going on. Melanie talks about her latest scans and gives an update also. Metastatic:     Advanced, spread beyond original locationOften Stage 4, but Stage 4 has other factors(size, treatment options)Can’t be “cured” American Cancer Society is inv...

Join Karen and Melanie as they chat with Cheri Larsen, board member for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Snohomish Washington. Cheri has a wonderful story and we loved chatting with her about her passion. To find out more about a Making Strides Walk in your area, go to www.makingstrideswalk.org or email Cheri at cheriann376@gmail.com. The C-Suite Center for Hope was also referenced during t...

Join Karen and Melanie as Melanie shares about her Day at the Capital. She shares about meeting with Legislators, their Aides and what she learned. Every state has a Day at the Capital like Washington State does, and volunteers from American Cancer Society and many other organizations attend so that they can talk to Legislators first hand and give them their experiences. American Cancer Society&#3...

Karen and Melanie are heading to the Capital for Cancer Day at the Capital. We are talking to our legislaters about biomarker testing and health equity for cancer patients. HB 1062 Biomarker testing coverage. Next episode Karen and Melanie will report back with who they talked to and what happened during their day at the capital.

Last week, we talked about celebrities that have had breast cancer and some of the things they chose to do and not to do as they were going through treatment and surgery. This week, we are looking at TV Characters and how Breast Cancer is played out on some tv shows. Both Melanie and I found characters that we resonated with, both were portrayed very differently. We only touch on this and list onl...

This is the first of 2 episode about breast cancer and pop culture. We all know a celebrity that has had a very public battle with breast cancer. Celebrities have reach and they have a platform. We look at a few in this episode. Join us next week when we talk about our favorite tv shows and how they have handled the subject of breast cancer. We would love to hear your thoughts on topics you would...

Join us as we continue our interview with Trish. She tells a little more of her story and shares about a trip she just took with her family. Here is the scale that Trish referred to: Physical Score yourself 1-5 Emotional Score yourself 1-5 Spiritual Score yourself 1-5 Hope Score yourself 1-5 Then pick a word for the day.

Join Karen and Melanie for this amazing episode with Becky. Becky tells her inspiring story about her journey with breast cancer and talks about a very special trip that her she and her family just took. Don't miss this incredible episode.